Discretion... in fasting
In Jesus' time, the Jewish fasting days were Mondays and Thursdays. These were market days and those who fasted on those days often made a big show of it. William Barclay indicates that some even whitened their faces so that they looked pale and gaunt from their fasting.Fasting was considered an act of mourning for loss or a show of penitence or regret for sin. It was seen as a way of preparing one's heart for God to work in one's life. When a loved one or the nation was in trouble, people would fast for them. But this beautiful and helpful sacrificial act of devotion towards God became a shallow public show of fake piety that Jesus rejected outright - "They have received their reward in full!" (Hunger pains are all they'll get for all their dramatics!)
So what is fasting?
It is withhold oneself from food, a luxury or a perceived essential (like the media) for a period of time to clarify our focus on God and set ourselves free from being bogged down by the "stuff" in our lives. (Today it's not common to fast out of penitence, but even if we do regret our brokenness, we are also assured of forgiveness.)
Fasting can be beneficial:
- Sensible fasting from food or hectic busyness can be healthy.
- Fasting can often free up time that can be used for devotion or service..
- It can set us free from the tyranny of "stuff". I know of people who have fasted from social media over Lent and have discovered how addicted they were and how much they'd lost touch with those in front of them.
- Fasting can cause us to appreciate things we take for granted.
- Fasting simplifies our lives and focuses us on God.
Jesus' advice for fasting is clear:
- Don't make it public. In fact, make it a secret.
- Don't make much of the sacrifice, make much of the joy and privilege. (Anointing with oil and washing were preparations for joyful festivals) Your fasting should be about bringing you closer to God, so what's to be sad about?
| When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. (Matthew6:16-18) |
